Sheridan Hills PTO: Building Community, Supporting Students
Sheridan Hills PTO: Building Community, Supporting Students
The Sheridan Hills Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is an integral part of the school community, dedicated to fostering relationships among parents, teachers and staff. Andry Jurcich, a PTO member, highlights the group’s mission: “The PTO’s main objective is to build relationships between Sheridan Hills parents and teachers/staff. Working together as a coordinated group of caring adults allows us to provide exceptional experiences and special opportunities for ALL Sheridan Hills students.”
The PTO’s primary goal is to support the vital work of teachers and staff, both inside and outside the classroom. Funds raised by the PTO help cover field trips, guest speakers, adaptive learning resources, new books, online learning tools, musical instruments, playground additions and other special projects like classroom parties, spirit shirts, Lego League and Girls on the Run. Beyond financial support, the PTO focuses on creating opportunities for Sheridan Hills families to connect, share helpful tips and access community resources.
One of the Sheridan Hills PTO’s most cherished aspects is its commitment to maintaining long standing traditions while adapting to the needs of the community. “I always get goosebumps when I meet a grandparent, former teacher, or alum from 20+ years ago and they ask if we still run the Fun Fair or book fairs or field trips to Wood Lake Nature Center,” Andry shares.
The annual Fun Fair is a highlight for the entire school. “It’s an excellent opportunity for parents to get to know each other, teachers and staff to connect with families outside of a classroom setting, and students to let loose in a safe environment,” Andry explains. In recent years, the PTO has added walk/run-a-thons and read-a-thons to their lineup of fundraisers, providing inclusive and engaging activities that instill school spirit and pride.
Other beloved events include Fall Family Engineering Night in collaboration with The Works Museum, biannual book fairs, and family craft or movie nights. These events create opportunities for families to meet, share experiences and strengthen the sense of community.
The PTO is committed to inclusivity and breaking down barriers that may deter participation. “Sheridan Hills PTO is banishing the outdated ideology that PTO is just for helicopter parents who have nothing better to do than bother teachers and hang out with other helicopter parents,” Andry emphasizes.
The group’s bylaws state that every parent, guardian, teacher and staff member of a Sheridan Hills student is automatically a member of the PTO. This inclusive approach encourages everyone to participate in ways that work for them, whether through attending meetings, volunteering for events, or sharing ideas.
By leveraging technology, the PTO ensures accessibility for all families. Virtual meetings, communication platforms like ParentSquare, and a strong social media presence keep families informed and engaged. “It’s been so wonderful to hear from and see new parents of students in all grades step up to help with or lead events that strengthen our school,” Andry notes.
For Andry, joining the PTO has been a transformative experience. “I didn’t start getting involved until my eldest child was in third grade,” she recalls. What began as small volunteer efforts grew into deeper involvement, even enlisting her husband along the way. “Helping coordinate socially distanced events and figuring out virtual options for the PTO gave me a much-needed sense of control during COVID,” she shares. “The unexpected bonus for which I am very grateful is all the wonderful people I’ve met who have become really dear friends.”
The Sheridan Hills PTO invites everyone to contribute to their mission. “Everyone has something to contribute, and we are better together,” Andry says. “You get involved for your own personal reasons, but you gain so much more than you ever knew you could.”
You can read more about the role of PTO’s in RPS on our website.
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